How the Workout Works

Just slim and bare it! Get miniskirt-ready fast with our last-minute lower-body rescue routine. "The secret is the right mix of targeted exercises," says trainer Rich Barretta, who perfected this supersculpting circuit working with swimsuit-model clients at his private training studio in New York City. "When you can't stand another rep, you'll switch to the next move, which works your lower half from another angle." Grab a set of 3- to 5-pound dumbbells, a step (optional), and a towel and do the circuit in order two to three times through twice a week (on nonconsecutive days). Minis, you've met your match.

Lunge 101

Many exercisers miss out on much of the butt-shaping magic of lunges because of common flubs that make legs do all the work, according to trainer Rich Barretta. Use his foolproof how-to and, ahem, firm the other cheek.

Lower straight down. "Focus on the up-and-down movement rather than the forward motion to really target the glutes," Barretta says. "Put a hand on your butt and sit down into it as a cue."

Fly Away

Targets: Shoulders, back, abs, and butt

Stand on a low step with feet together, hands at sides, a dumbbell in each hand. (No step? Perform move on ground.)

Hinge forward at hips and simultaneously lift right leg straight back, squeezing glutes, as you raise extended arms in front of you until body from hands to right heel is parallel to ground. Make it easier: Keep knuckles on hips and elbows bent out to sides throughout or go without dumbbells.

Hold 1 to 2 counts, then lower arms and right leg without touching right foot down on step.

Keeping hips squared to front, hinge forward and lift right leg out to right side as you raise arms out to sides at shoulder level so they form a T and torso is parallel to ground. Lower arms and leg to complete 1 rep.

Do 5 to 10 reps without touching right foot down. Switch legs; repeat.

Trainer's Tip: As you get fitter, try doing 15 reps of each of these moves. Do only as many as you can while maintaining good form.

Duck Squat

Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out 45 degrees, holding a single dumbbell with both hands in front of hips (or fold arms in front of chest without dumbbell). Make it harder: Use a 10- to 15-pound dumbbell.

Lower into plié squat until knees are bent as far as 90 degrees, knees behind toes.

Hold pli&eacute squat and lift heels as high as you can off ground for one count. Make it easier: Lift one heel at a time.